In Other News...

In a case of life imitating urban legend, a mischievous employee at The Oregon Clinic's billing department dosed his or her co-workers with THC baked into a pan of Tollhouse cookies on the morning of March 16.

One of the employees, who wished to remain nameless, picked up one of the treats left in the staff break room. She knew something was up when her phone rang and she forgot what she was supposed to do with it. "I thought I was either having a stroke, or I was really, really stoned," she explained.

In all, more than a dozen employees were involuntarily affected; 11 ended up in the emergency room.

Sadly, the company has now canceled the office potluck. On the upside, the office environment is now much more relaxed. SCOTT MOORE

EYES ON THE PRIZE

On Monday, Nigel Jaquiss from the Willamette Week was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for uncovering the story about Neil Goldschmidt's rape of a 14-year-old girl when he was mayor. The work that Jaquiss has done on the Goldschmidt story and, especially, on PGE, has been much needed reporting in town.

That said, a month ago, I sent a letter to the Pulitzer board outlining concerns about the the story and 30-year cover-up of Goldschmidt's crime. Since the story broke, we've learned of several political figures with knowledge of the story, as well as several missed opportunities for newspapers to pursue it.

According to Jaquiss' own reporting, one of the original founders of Willamette Week, Robert Burthchaell, was actively involved in "handling" (more precisely, "silencing") Goldschmidt's victim. The question of Burthchaell's alleged involvement in the cover-up--and how this should reflect on WW--is a question I believe should be asked.

As a result, certain media outlets have questioned my intentions. If anything, this response has reinforced my concerns regarding Portland's media. After all, wasn't the failure--and the fear--to ask probing questions for 30 years the reason that the Goldschmidt rape remained hidden?

Jaquiss has done a great service by finally uncovering this hugely important story. But I believe there are still many unanswered questions requiring our attention. The Mercury is currently pursuing those leads. PHIL BUSSE